Punts on the Stour - a non traditional wedding

July 21, 2008

Ceremony parties this way

“We’re not doing many traditional things….”

That’s what Julie said to me when she asked me to photograph her wedding to Peter at the register office in Canterbury.

It turned out she wasn’t joking…..

Julie on her father's arm at her wedding at Canterbury Register Office (Wellington House)

We were promised torrential rain and lots of it. The closest we got to wet weather was a few tears during the ceremony. This is her father Ken giving Julie away during the ceremony - he was somewhat reluctant to do this “can’t I keep her?” he asked. But he knew she’d be in good hands with Peter.

They exchanged vows, gave each other rings and signed the register. Then it was time for the fun….

The new Mrs Sweeney - Julie at her wedding to Peter Sweeney at Canterbury Registry office

We came out of the ceremony into glorious sunshine. The kind that makes you appreciate just how fabulous Kent can be on a sunny day.

Since everything was very close together, we walked down to the Westgate Gardens. Here’s Peter with their daughter Sarah who very nearly stole the show later on.

Peter Sweeney with his daughter Sarah at his wedding to Julie - photo by Kent Wedding Photographer Jonathan Ryan

Westgate Gardens was busy. In fact it was pretty much full of holidaymakers and tourists. But they all made way for the bridal party. Well, OK, several of them stopped to take pictures but that was all part of the fun.

And talking of fun…..we’re still not sure exactly whose idea it was to get a couple of boats and go onto the river (strangely both Julie and Peter seem to think it was me - I’m sure it was one of them )but it turned out to be a great idea. And Peter turned out to be pretty good with a punt too.